Explore how communities in Chicago are using art to work towards solidarity, outreach, and activism. During this intensive experience, participants will think critically about the issues of urban America and actively engage with members of various communities as they use art for unique and beneficial means.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Travel Day

After dinner we had some free time so the group split up, some went to the Hancock Observatory and some went to a hookah bar called Samah.

On Saturday morning we all woke up, with shining faces, and met up at the bishop... AT SIX-THIRTY AM..... Then we all piled in safely, and everyone but the front two rows fell asleep. zzzzzzzzz
Once we reached Madison, we stopped for lunch, and everyone felt like a hibernating bear. Stiff, sore, and groggy! We re-packed ourself in the van, and drove on towards Chicago. In the distance, we could see the skyline for about 40 minutes while we sat in traffic, so frustrating! But then again, we decided to drive in on St. Patricks Day... We saw some lovely things, including but not limited to:
-lots of green
-a green river
-people 'frolicking' in the streets
-a big kosher hot dog dancing
-a female dancing and licking the van window.... no lie...

First, some of us got ready, and then we went on the L train and saw some very interesting characters running through the streets, flash mob?? We went and passed the cheesecake factory and went on the fastest elevator in North America, it only took 40 seconds to get to the 94th floor. Our ears popped and it was mildly uncomfortable, but cool. And when we got to the top it was totally worth it because it took my breath away! So cool at night and we could see the carousel at Navy pier, so we'll go there later. On the way down our ears popped again and we HAD to stop by the cheesecake factory and pick up a few slices. I got the best cake, compared to everyone else, it was reese's peanut butter cup, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
It was totally worth $8.
On the way back on the L train, we experienced true Chicago... yep.

On the other side of town:
The rest of use went to a hookah bar had a really laid-back atmosphere with seating on cushions on the floor and curtains you could draw to make it a more private experience. It was a really fun opportunity to sit back and just chat with new people about the trip, art, and social change. Hey that's what our trip is about!!

We all came back by curfew and tucked in bed, already anticipating the next day's activities : )

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What is a Catalyst trip?
Hamline Catalyst Alternative Breaks give students the opportunity to use reflective service to investigate questions of justice in the community. Students travel to communities around the U.S. over spring break to learn about and take action on these issues through community service. Each trip is designed to focus on a specific topic such as homelessness, LGBTQIA communities, immigration issues, disaster relief, and community development- all of the trips value building relationships with the communities with whom they serve. Through courageous reflection, students will also evaluate their beliefs, values, and assumptions as they brainstorm how to bring back what they learn to Hamline. These experiences spark life-long passion for service and social justice. Each trip is led by a pair of student leaders, and supported by staff or faculty resource persons. These trips are sponsored and organized by Hamline University's Wesley Center for Spirituality, Service, and Social Justice.